OCLWHi3227Finding aid for the Western Reserve Ethnic History Pamphlet CollectionFinding aid prepared by Pamela Baster and Marek KasprisinWestern Reserve Historical Society10825 East Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 441062014Finding aid encoded by Margaret Burzynski-Bays using the OhioLINK EAD Application in 2014Finding aid written in EnglishFinding aid prepared using the Western Reserve Historical Society processing manual
Overview of the Collection
Western Reserve Historical SocietyVariousWestern Reserve Ethnic History Pamphlet Collection3.01 linear feet (3 containers and 1 oversize folder)The Western Reserve Ethnic History Pamphlet Collection is a collection of pamphlets from twenty-five distinct ethnic groups in the Cleveland, Ohio, area. Most of the groups stem from Central and Eastern Europe, with a majority of the pamphlets focusing on Polish culture. The collection reflects the history of immigrants to the region and documents their social, cultural, and religious activities. The pamphlets were generally removed from their original collections due to lack of relevance to the collection, but retained and grouped together in a separate collection because of their historic value.MS 5148The records are in Englishclosed stacks1885-1991Scope and Content

The Western Reserve Ethnic History Pamphlet Collection, 1885-1991 and undated, consists of brochures, newsletters, pamphlets, and programs from different ethnic communities. These include announcements and programs from special events throughout northeast Ohio.

This collection is of value to researchers studying the history of ethnicity and national identity in the Cleveland, Ohio, area. The pamphlets reflect immigrants' concerns in adjusting to American life and their continued interest in the social and political changes in the countries they left behind. Religious, veterans, and sports organizations are well represented in the collection. Researchers interested in the history of music and musical performance will find the collection of special value, especially the folder which includes announcements and programs of multi-ethnic folk festivals. Best represented in the collection are the Germans, Hungarians, Poles, and Slovenians. Of special interest are the pamphlets related to the history of the Manx. Many of the pamphlets include color illustrations.

Statement of Arrangement

This collection is arranged alphabetically by subject/ethnic group name. Pamphlets within the folders are arranged chronologically.